A Magical Opportunity Takes Center Stage for Greenup County Students

A Magical Opportunity Takes Center Stage

for Greenup County Students

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

The spotlight is shining brightly on Greenup County Schools, and the stage is set for something truly extraordinary. In a rare and exciting honor, Greenup County Schools has been selected as one of only 70 school systems nationwide to participate in Disney Musicals in Schools, a nationally acclaimed program created by Disney Theatrical Group. Even more impressively, Greenup County is the only district in the country chosen to host a district-wide production—complete with live virtual coaching from Disney producers.

This remarkable achievement places Greenup County Schools among an elite group of participants across the nation and underscores the district’s commitment to creating meaningful, enriching opportunities for students. The program holds special significance for children who may not otherwise have access to local theater experiences. By bringing a world-class theatrical production directly into Greenup County schools, families are spared long trips out of town, and students can immerse themselves in the performing arts right where they live and learn.

Educators across the district agree that theater can be a transformative experience for children. Musical theater gives students the chance to find their voice, express creativity, explore new talents, and build confidence. For many students, opportunities of this caliber are rare, making Greenup County’s selection all the more powerful and impactful.

The journey to this milestone began with educator Stacy Black, who learned about the Disney Musicals in Schools grant opportunity and decided to apply. What began as a single application quickly grew into a bold, district-wide vision. To ensure the production truly reflected the entire Greenup County Schools community, Black assembled a diverse team that includes a choreographer, director, musical director, and staff members from every elementary school in the district. This collaborative effort ensures that the production represents the shared creativity, dedication, and spirit of students and educators countywide.

As part of the program, Greenup County Schools will bring Disney’s beloved Finding Nemo to life in a district-wide musical production. Auditions will begin in January for students in grades 3 through 5. Selected students will participate in two 90-minute rehearsals each week as they prepare for performances scheduled for Spring 2026, with dates anticipated in March or April. The production will feature daytime performances for local schools, along with at least one public performance, inviting the entire community to celebrate the students’ hard work and talent.

One of the most exciting aspects of this opportunity is the live virtual coaching provided by Disney producers. This level of professional guidance is virtually unheard of at the elementary school level and brings an unmatched level of quality and expertise to the experience. Principal Tackett emphasized the significance of Disney’s involvement, saying, “This level of production would be so difficult to accomplish without Disney’s support — and it’s unlike anything our schools have ever seen.”

Participation in Disney Musicals in Schools offers students far more than time on stage. The program is intentionally designed to help children develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, and communication skills while creating unforgettable memories through the magic of Disney theater. These lessons extend well beyond the spotlight, supporting students’ growth in the classroom and in everyday life.

Disney Musicals in Schools is a nationally recognized initiative that ignites a passion for storytelling by building sustainable theater programs in public elementary schools. Since its launch by Disney Theatrical Group in New York City in 2009, the program has focused on under-resourced schools, providing them with the tools and training needed to establish lasting arts programs. Over the years, it has touched the lives of thousands of students, teachers, parents, and communities across the United States and the United Kingdom.

A cornerstone of the program is its comprehensive support model. Participating schools receive free performance materials and professional development for teachers, empowering faculty to guide student performance and production. Schools are also provided with a free performance license to a Disney KIDS musical of their choice, complete with ShowKit materials. In-school support from a team of two Teaching Artists is offered over the course of 17 weeks, ensuring schools are fully supported throughout the rehearsal and production process.

Additionally, participating schools have the opportunity to perform a selection from their musical on a local professional stage as part of a Student Share Celebration. Support is scaled over a three-year period, helping schools establish sustainable theater programs that will continue to benefit students for years to come.

The goals of Disney Musicals in Schools closely align with the values of Greenup County Schools. These goals include creating sustainable musical theater programs, fostering a deeper appreciation of the arts, and strengthening connections among students, parents, faculty, staff, and the broader community. The program also exposes students and teachers to a wide range of skills developed through musical theater, including critical thinking, problem solving, ensemble building, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills.

Information flyers about auditions and participation will be sent home with students soon. Families of students in grades 3 through 5 are encouraged to review the materials and consider this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With Disney Musicals in Schools coming to Greenup County, the curtain is rising on an unforgettable experience—one that will allow students to shine, discover their voices, and experience the transformative power of the arts right in their own community.